Naturals

4. CONTACT: HEEL-ARCH TOGETHER WHEN TOES SPAN UP TO A FOURTH ON NATURALS

Although similar to the heel-heel contact that is used when the toes play on sharps, offset the feet (one foot forward) when playing naturals. This makes it easier for the feet to play the interval of a second. The feet “fit together” nicely when they are offset, whereas they tend to “fight” when they are not. It is referred to as “heel-arch” (for naturals) rather than “heel-heel” contact.

OrganTutor recommends making a habit of placing the right foot forward, but some organists prefer the left. Choose one or the other and be consistent.

Use the same “scissor” motion as described for sharps to measure seconds, thirds, and fourths, but keep the heel and ARCH (rather than the heel and the HEEL) in contact. Remember to divide up the angles between the feet when using contact between the feet. Do not let one ankle do most of the twisting.